For most UK garages, EPDM rubber roofing gives you the best roofing material for garages with the ideal mix of high performance and value. It handles standing water better than older felt systems, lasts 30 years or more, and works on the flat or low-pitch designs that most garages have. If you want the absolute longest lifespan and have the budget, Sarnafil single-ply membranes outperform everything else. For pitched garages where you want to match your house, concrete tiles are the practical choice. Budget builds can use corrugated bitumen sheets or felt, but expect to replace them within 10-15 years.
We've ranked every garage roofing option available in the UK based on durability, suitability for garage roof structures, weather resistance, lifespan, and real-world performance. This ranking assumes a typical UK domestic garage roof with a flat or low-pitch design, which covers most cases.
Sarnafil PVC single-ply membrane ranks first. Excellent resistance to standing water, UV, and temperature changes. Heat-welded seams and long warranties make it the best material for garages where longevity matters. Costs £60-80 per square metre but lasts 30+ years.
EPDM rubber roofing ranks second. The most reliable all-round choice for domestic garages. Lightweight, flexible, resistant to ponding water, and capable of lasting decades with low maintenance. A cost effective option at £40-60 per square metre.
GRP fibreglass roofing ranks third. Seamless and very durable when fitted correctly. Glass reinforced plastic performs well on box garages and parapet roofs but less forgiving of structural movement than membranes. Lasts 20-30+ years.
Liquid-applied roofing systems rank fourth. Excellent for awkward shapes and details. Seamless and highly waterproof, but performance depends heavily on correct fitting. Suitable for complex garage roof designs.
Zinc roofing ranks fifth. Long lifespan and premium appearance. Performs well technically but high cost and specialist fitting push it down for typical garages. Used mainly on architect-designed buildings.
Metal roofing sheets rank sixth. Steel roofing is lightweight and durable with good water shedding. Noise, condensation risk, and aesthetics limit suitability for some domestic settings. Steel roof sheets last 40+ years with proper care.
Torch-on felt ranks seventh. Traditional bitumen felt roofing still common. Acceptable performance when fitted well, but seams and ageing make it less reliable long-term than modern systems. Requires professional fitting due to fire risk.
Cold-applied felt ranks eighth. Safer and cheaper than torch-on felt roofing, but shorter lifespan and lower resistance to ponding water. Easy to install for DIY projects. Lasts 10-12 years.
Fibre cement slates or sheets rank ninth. Lightweight and stable but relies heavily on roof pitch. Less suitable for very low-slope garage roofs. Rust, corrosion, and rot-free makes them a durable choice.
Concrete roof tiles rank tenth. Durable but heavy. Often unsuitable for standard garage structures without reinforcement. Last 50+ years but need strong framing. Popular choice when matching house appearance matters.
Clay roof tiles rank eleventh. Similar issues to concrete tiles. Strong but heavy and rarely cost effective for garages. Fire resistant and long-lasting but expensive.
Natural slate and premium shingles rank twelfth. Technically excellent but structurally demanding and expensive. Over-specified for most garages. Lasts 50+ years but requires substantial structural support.
Corrugated fibre cement sheets rank thirteenth. Common on older garages. Functional but prone to ageing, moss growth, and fixing failures. Easy to install but dated appearance.
Corrugated metal sheets rank fourteenth. Galvanised steel corrugated garage roof sheets are cheap and fast to fit but noisy, condensation-prone, and visually basic. Budget-friendly option for workshops.
Bitumen corrugated sheets rank fifteenth. Onduline-style bitumen roofing sheets are lightweight and budget-friendly but short lifespan and UV degradation issues. Lasts 10-15 years maximum.
Plastic corrugated sheets rank last. Lowest durability. UV brittleness, warping, and poor long-term weather resistance make this the weakest option for garages. Suitable only for temporary structures or garden sheds.
Someone chooses cheap plastic garage roof sheets to save £200 upfront, then five years later deals with water damage costing thousands. The lifespan varies wildly. You get under 15 years from budget options or push past 40 years with modern membranes and steel roofing sheets.
More than half of UK garages have flat or near-flat designs. Flat roofing systems handle water differently. Standing water accelerates breakdown in traditional felt and bitumen systems, but EPDM and PVC single-ply cope with prolonged ponding. Water pooling causes more failures than anything else.
Garages use lighter framing than houses. Timber spacing is wider, joists are smaller, less reinforcement overall. Weight matters more. Concrete tiles and asphalt shingles can weigh double what membrane systems do. We've seen structures sag because someone specified materials too heavy for the frame.
The existing roof tells us what the structure handles. If it currently has felt or lightweight roof sheets, you can't throw concrete tiles on top without adding support. That adds expense that might not make sense for many garages across residential areas.
Flat garage roofing needs different thinking. Water doesn't run off quickly, so roofing material must cope with sitting water. Traditional torch-on felt struggles over time. Seams start letting water through, creating leaks and moisture problems.
Single-ply membranes changed the game for flat surfaces. Materials once only for commercial buildings now appear on domestic garages regularly. Warranties got longer, seams got stronger through heat-welding, modern appearance improved.
South-facing garage roof designs take a beating from UV exposure. Sun damages materials as much as rain in extreme temperatures. Plastic sheeting becomes brittle and cracks. Low-grade felt breaks down. Even steel roof sheets fade and deteriorate faster facing south all day under high temperatures.
What is EPDM rubber roofing? EPDM rubber roofing sits at the top for most domestic garages. One-piece rubber membrane handles flat garage roof designs without fuss. Lightweight properties make it easy to install, copes with ponding water better than almost anything. This makes it a popular choice for both new builds and replacement projects.
We fit EPDM on probably half the garage roof projects we handle. Lasts decades with low maintenance requirements. You don't paint it, reseal it every few years, or worry about tiles cracking. For DIY projects, it offers one of the simpler processes with proper prep work.
The material resists harsh weather conditions. Heavy rain, snow, even British temperature swings from freezing to mild in 24 hours. EPDM flexes rather than cracks. This flexibility handles structural movement that lightweight garage frames sometimes experience. It represents a cost effective option delivering a long lifespan.
Sarnafil represents the highest quality materials option. This PVC single-ply membrane uses heat-welded seams creating incredibly strong joints. Where other systems rely on adhesives or overlaps that fail, these welded connections are highly durable under extreme conditions.
We typically spec Sarnafil for clients wanting the longest possible lifespan or commercial garages storing valuable equipment. Resists standing water, UV damage, and temperature extremes better than standard EPDM. Costs more upfront, but 25–30 year warranties and proven track record justify the investment. Professional installation by experienced Sarnafil roofing contractors ensures seams are correctly welded and the membrane performs as intended.
Fitting requires professional expertise. Can't DIY this successfully. Heat-welding needs specific equipment and training. Once down, you forget about your garage roof for decades. This represents a highly durable solution offering exceptional durability for those wanting the best.
GRP fibreglass roofing cures into a single joint-free surface. This seamless quality eliminates the most common failure point in sheet-based systems and felt. Water can't get between seams because there aren't any, making it a top choice recommended by experienced fibreglass roof contractors.
The resin application lets us form waterproof layers around complex details that would challenge roof sheets. We've used GRP on garage roofs with multiple penetrations, unusual shapes, and tight corners where other options require complicated cutting and joining, minimizing future fibreglass roof repairs.
The rigid surface provides excellent durability once cured. Doesn't flex like rubber membranes. If the garage roof frame is solid and doesn't move much, GRP gives you a rock-solid solution. This material delivers a long lifespan when properly applied.
Steel roofing sheets last 40 years or more with proper care. The material is highly resistant to corrosion when you get quality coated versions. We see steel roofing on prefabricated garages, workshops, and agricultural buildings up for decades still performing.
Metal roofing sheds water brilliantly on pitched applications. Snow slides off, rain runs away quickly, no ponding issues plaguing flat surfaces. High performance in adverse weather makes steel roofing a popular choice for exposed locations or areas hammered by wind.
Corrugated metal sheets keep costs down compared to tiles while delivering good longevity. Fitting goes quickly because each roof sheet covers large areas. For DIY projects, working with steel roof sheets gives you a manageable and easy to install task if you're comfortable working at height.
Downsides? Noise during heavy rain and potential condensation without proper ventilation. Some people don't like the industrial look, though modern coated versions come in various colours and styles softening the appearance.
Concrete roof tiles dominate UK pitched garage applications. Last 50+ years, come in colours matching nearly any house, give that traditional appearance many homeowners want. When your garage sits attached to the house or visible from the street, matching tiles help everything look cohesive.
Clay roof tiles work similarly but cost more. Typically see them on garages attached to period properties or heritage houses where authenticity matters. Natural slate represents the premium end. Beautiful, incredibly durable, and fire resistant. Expensive and demanding structurally. We rarely recommend slate for standard garages unless matching an existing slate house design.
Both concrete and clay are heavy, meaning your garage structure needs strength to support the weight. They're fire resistant materials adding safety value to the building. For many garages where aesthetics matter, tiles remain the best choice despite higher expense.
Bitumen roofing sheets give you an affordable option performing adequately for 10-15 years. The material is easy to install, making it popular for DIY garage builds and garden sheds. You cut bitumen sheets with basic tools, they're light enough to handle without specialised equipment.
Corrugated bitumen sheets from brands like Onduline appear on thousands of UK garages and garden sheds. Not glamorous, but they keep water out and don't demand much skill to fit. For budget builds or temporary garages, sheets make sense.
The trade-off is longevity. UV exposure breaks bitumen down over time. Sheets become brittle, fade, eventually crack. By year 10, you're usually looking at replacement. Compare that to EPDM or steel which might still have 20-30 years left at the same age.
Torch-on felt used to be the default for flat garage surfaces. Layers get bonded together with a blowtorch creating a waterproof covering. Works when fitted correctly, but seams remain vulnerable points where water eventually penetrates.
Professional fitting is essential because flame application creates serious safety risks. We won't let customers attempt this as DIY projects. The fire hazard is real, poor technique leaves gaps that leak.
Modern felt roofing systems perform better than old-style materials, but still can't match membrane systems for longevity. Traditional felt roofing requires more frequent maintenance than EPDM or PVC membranes. You're looking at inspections, repairs, and eventual replacement on shorter timelines. Felt roofing typically needs attention every 10-15 years.
Cold-applied felt and self-adhesive options eliminate fire risk. Safer for DIY fitting but typically shorter lifespan than torch-on applications. Budget about 10-12 years before renewal becomes necessary.
What is liquid rubber roofing? Liquid roofing systems get applied as liquid that cures into seamless waterproof layers. Excellent for garage surfaces with lots of penetrations, unusual angles, or details that would challenge roof sheets and other materials.
We use liquid-applied systems when garage surfaces have multiple soil pipes, vent penetrations, or complex parapet details. Liquid flows around obstacles and forms continuous membranes once cured. Products based on polyurethane or polymethyl methacrylate create tough, long-lasting surfaces suitable for various applications.
Fitting quality matters enormously with liquid systems. Get it right and you have solutions performing for 20+ years. Rush it or apply incorrectly and you'll have problems within months. Not DIY-friendly unless you have relevant experience.
Fibre cement roofing sheets are rust, corrosion, and rot-free. Durability comes from cement and fibre composition resisting environmental factors that break down other options. Work on both flat and pitched applications, offering suitable solutions for various garage designs.
Corrugated fibre cement sheets appear on older garages throughout the UK. Extremely popular decades ago, though newer options have largely replaced them for new builds. If your garage currently has fibre cement in decent shape, it might give several more years of service. These sheets are easy to install and straightforward and easy to install compared to heavier alternatives.
They cut cleanly with right tools and fix down with standard screws and washers. For larger projects where you need to cover substantial areas quickly, the speed of working with roof sheets helps. They represent a durable choice that's easy to install for those with basic building skills.
Corrugated garage roof sheets come in metal, bitumen, plastic, and fibre cement versions. All share the wavy profile making them rigid despite being thin and lightweight. This profile also helps water run off pitched surfaces effectively, making them suitable for various applications.
Metal versions handle harsh weather conditions better than plastic alternatives. Galvanised steel corrugated sheets might not look fancy, but they last. We see 20-year-old metal fittings still performing adequately, while plastic versions from the same era have become brittle and cracked.
Fitting requires attention to overlap details. Each corrugated roof sheet needs to overlap properly at sides and ends. Use lapping tape on seams to prevent water getting through gaps. Start at the gable end opposite prevailing wind direction so overlaps face away from weather. This represents one of the more straightforward roofing options for DIY enthusiasts.
For corrugated garage roof sheets, drill pilot holes before fixing. Trying to force screws through without pre-drilling often cracks the material. Use self-drilling screws with neoprene washers creating waterproof seals at each fixing point. This simple step prevents future leaks.
Plastic garage roof sheets represent the most budget-friendly option. Plastic options fit quickly, weigh almost nothing, cost very little. For garden shed surfaces or temporary garages, plastic versions get the job done initially.
Problems show up over time. UV exposure makes plastic brittle within a few years. Sheets warp in high temperatures, become rigid and prone to cracking in cold weather, colour fades badly. By year five, you're usually looking at replacement. Low maintenance appeal disappears when you're replacing sections regularly.
We don't recommend plastic for permanent garages storing anything valuable. Short lifespan means you'll be back up there soon enough. Spending a bit more on bitumen or moving up to EPDM saves money long-term. Plastic simply doesn't offer durability needed for proper protection.
Older garages sometimes have asbestos-containing roof sheets. You absolutely cannot work with these yourself. Asbestos removal requires licensed professionals because of serious health risks. This is not an area where DIY makes any sense.
Cost for removing an asbestos garage surface starts around £750 for a standard single garage. Full reCost for removing an asbestos garage surface starts around £750 for a standard single garage. Full removal and garage roof replacement with new material ranges from £2,000 to £4,500 depending on size and what you choose as replacement. These figures come from multiple sources supplied across UK suppliers and contractors.
If you suspect your garage has asbestos, don't drill into it, cut it, or disturb it until you get a professional assessment. Fibres become dangerous when released into air, which happens when you work with the material. Professional removal protects your health and complies with UK regulations.
Average cost for fitting metal roofing sheets in UK garages ranges from £750 to £3,000 based on multiple sources. This variation comes down to garage size, access difficulty, existing condition, and whether you're doing complete replacement or overlay. These prices represent realistic figures from actual UK projects.
EPDM rubber typically costs less than Sarnafil but more than felt. Budget £40-60 per square metre for materials, plus fitting if not doing it yourself. A standard single garage might cost £600-900 in materials, while professional fitting adds another £400-800 depending on complexity. This represents a cost effective option for most homeowners.
Concrete tiles cost £15-25 per square metre for tiles themselves. Add battens, felt underlay, ridge tiles, and labour, you're looking at total project costs of £1,500-3,000 for typical garages. Higher expense reflects additional components needed for proper fitting.
Bitumen options represent the budget end. Materials might cost £8-15 per square metre. A DIY project on a small garage could come in under £300 for materials. However, shorter lifespan means you'll be spending again in 10-15 years.
Weather conditions in your area should drive material selection. If you're in exposed coastal locations with strong winds and driving rain, you need robust options. Metal roofing or high-quality membranes handle these weather conditions better than lightweight alternatives.
Some materials handle heavy snow and high winds better than others. Metal and slate shed both effectively. Smooth surfaces prevent snow buildup, secure fixing systems resist wind uplift. Suitable for exposed locations where weather batters buildings regularly.
In areas with elevated temperatures during summer, consider how materials respond to heat. Bitumen softens in extreme heat. Plastic warps under sustained heat. EPDM and PVC membranes remain stable across UK temperature ranges without degrading, making them suitable for various climates.
Professional fitting prevents most failures. GRP fibreglass needs expert application to avoid issues like cracking. Resin has to be mixed right, applied at the correct thickness, and cured properly. Get any wrong and you'll have problems compromising entire fittings.
Even straightforward materials benefit from proper technique. Roof sheets need pre-drilled holes to prevent cracking. Overlaps need sealing with lapping tape. Fixings must go into solid purlins or decking, not just wherever you feel like putting them. These details separate successful fittings from failures.
Following manufacturer's guides ensures warranties stay valid. It also means surfaces perform as designed. We see DIY fittings where people skip steps to save time, then wonder why coverings leak within a year. Proper fitting technique matters enormously for achieving a long lifespan.
When laying roof sheets, if corrugated, allow at least one corrugation overlap at sides. Stagger the roof sheets using half a sheet to start alternate rows. This prevents four corners meeting at one point, which creates weak spots where water penetrates.
Start laying roof sheets at the opposite end to prevailing winds. This way overlaps face away from weather rather than into it. Wind-driven rain hitting overlaps facing into weather will force water through gaps, creating leaks and water damage.
For proper fitting, drill holes in the roof sheets before fitting if they don't have pre-drilled holes. Nail or drill each roof sheet into purlins or decking beneath at every point where sheets overlap and at top and bottom of slopes. Using self-drilling screws with washers and neoprene pads creates a complete seal when fixing sheets.
EPDM rubber requires very little ongoing maintenance attention. Clear leaves and debris off occasionally so water drains properly. Check edges and penetrations every few years to make sure everything's still sealed. That's it. This low maintenance quality makes it attractive to busy homeowners.
Steel roofing needs periodic inspection for rust spots, especially around fixings. Catch corrosion early and you can treat it. Ignore it and you'll be replacing panels. Clean moss and algae growth to prevent moisture retention, speeding up deterioration. Regular checks extend lifespan significantly.
Felt demands more attention. Check for blisters, cracks, and lifting seams. Minor repairs caught early prevent major leaks later. Budget for periodic recoating or renewal every 10-15 years depending on quality and exposure. This ongoing maintenance adds to total ownership expense.
Tile fittings need occasional inspections to spot cracked or slipped tiles. Replace damaged ones promptly to prevent water getting under felt underlay. Clear moss buildup because it holds moisture against tiles and accelerates freeze-thaw damage. Regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs.
Aesthetics matter when your garage is visible from the street or attached to your house. Many people want garages to match the house for cohesive looks. This often means using the same tiles or at least similar colours and styles blending with the main house.
Planning permission sometimes requires matching materials. If you're building new garages or doing major alterations, check with your local authority. Conservation areas and listed buildings definitely have restrictions on roofing options available to you.
Modern materials can mimic traditional appearances. Fibre cement slates look like natural slate from ground level but cost less and weigh less. Coated metal versions come in colours that blend with tile fittings. You don't always need the exact same materials to achieve visual harmony with your property.
The biggest mistake is choosing materials based purely on initial expense. That plastic option might save £300 today, but when it fails in five years and causes water damage to everything stored inside, you've lost money overall. Short-term savings create long-term problems.
Inadequate fall causes constant problems. Flat surfaces need at least a slight fall to shed rainwater properly. Build truly flat surfaces and water pools, degrading any material faster than it should. This simple error creates expensive problems.
Poor fitting ruins good materials. We've seen quality EPDM that leaked because fitters didn't properly seal edges. We've found steel that corroded within years because someone used wrong fixings. Get fitting right or pay the price later through garage roof repair and early renewal.
Ignoring maintenance until problems become obvious costs money. A cracked tile spotted during annual checks costs £5 to replace. Wait until water's pouring through ceilings and you're looking at structural repairs plus new covering. Regular helpful tips about maintenance can prevent these scenarios.
Modern garage technology has improved dramatically. EPDM membranes, GRP systems, and quality single-ply products perform better than house materials fitted 30-40 years ago. It's increasingly common to see recently fitted garage surfaces in better condition than ageing tile coverings on main houses.
This reversal reflects progress in waterproofing technology. Older house fittings were built to standards that have been superseded. Many weren't designed to perform for 50+ years like modern systems can. When you fit quality garage surfaces today using the best materials available, you're using products that simply didn't exist when many houses were built.
The practical outcome is garages with modern systems can become more weathertight than houses they're attached to. This makes them suitable for storing temperature-sensitive items or using as workshops without worrying about environmental damage.
We've covered the full range of garage roofing options available across the UK. Each has its place depending on your specific situation. The right choice for budget garden sheds differs from the correct specification for car storage garages. Your specific needs dictate the appropriate solution.
At Checkaroof, a trusted roofing company, we help clients make these decisions based on actual performance data rather than marketing claims. EPDM rubber delivers for most domestic applications. Sarnafil suits high-spec requirements. Tiles work when aesthetics matter.
The common thread is proper fitting and appropriate material selection for applications. Get these right and your garage surface performs reliably for decades. Cut corners and you'll be back replacing it within a few years while dealing with water damage along the way.
Consider your garage's purpose, your budget, and how long you need coverings to last. Match materials to these requirements rather than just picking the cheapest option or assuming expensive automatically means best. This approach saves money long-term and prevents frustration. Making an informed choice now prevents expensive problems later.
